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A baby’s constant crying can become stressful and frustrating for parents and caregivers. This is normal. If you are feeling frustrated, it is okay to put the baby down in a safe place, like a crib, and walk away for a few minutes to calm yourself down.

Normal crying for babies

Crying is one of the ways that babies communicate with us.

Babies may have fussy periods in the late afternoon or evening, when parents are often more tired.

Each baby is different, but most babies have periods of crying that last for 20 to 60 minutes at a time. This may add up to 5 to 6 hours in a day.

In the first 5-6 months it is normal for a baby’s crying to increase in intensity.

Your baby may continue to cry, no matter what you do. It does not mean that you are a bad parent; this is normal.

Posible reasons for crying

Babies may cry for many diferent reasons, but there are some things you can do to try to soothe them. It might take your baby a few minutes or longer to calm down when trying these ideas.

Posible reason for crying

What you can do

Hunger

Try to feeding the baby.

Needs to be close to people

Hold baby skin-to-skin.

You can also massage, rock, talk, sing or bathe the baby.

Go for walks and hold baby every day.

Discomfort

Change baby’s diaper.

Burp them or rub their back.

Change baby’s positioning or bring them into another room so they can see a new environment.

Too hot/too cold

Hold baby skin to skin.

Check the room temperature.

Ensure baby is dressed appropriately.

Tired or overstimulated

Turn off lights and keep the room quiet.

Rock baby gently.

Rhythms or white noise may be soothing for baby.

Illness or Pain

If baby’s cry sounds different to you or baby cannot be soothed after trying everything, see your doctor or call: Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000

What to do if your baby is still crying

Sometimes babies cry for unknown reasons. Try to comfort the baby, allowing them time to respond to each thing you try. During difficult times when the baby won't stop crying never shake your baby as this could cause Shaken Baby Syndrome.

If you find yourself feeling this way, there are some things you can do that may help:

Put your baby in a safe place like a crib, cradle, or bassinet, and take a break to calm yourself. Check on your baby every 5-10 minutes.

Call a friend, family member, or community support for help

Take slow, deep breaths

Have a good cry

Take a bath or shower

Use positive self-talk

Listen to music

It is also important to take care of yourself on a regular basis in order to build resilience to face difficult situations like this. You can care for yourself by:

Sleeping when the baby sleeps

Eating a healthy, balanced diet

Taking regular walks with the baby

Organizing regular child care relief

Connecting with other parents or caregivers

Talking with your partner, friends, and family

Leaving your baby with other people

When leaving your baby with someone else make sure you trust this person, they do not have violent reactions, and that they are comfortable around babies. Speak with them about how to cope with the baby’s crying and help them develop a plan to stay calm. Also be sure to be available for them if they need support.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

One of the risks of this inconsolable crying is that it can be a dangerous trigger for a caregiver to hurt a baby during a moment of frustration. In fact, frustration with a baby’s crying is the most common reason for shaking a baby. Babies under one year of age are especially at risk to injury and death when they are shaken.

Shaken Baby Syndrome is a type of abusive head trauma which can damage the baby’s brain, causing permanent disabilities. It can lead to life-long problems such as:

brain damage

blindness

paralysis

death

If you suspect that your child has been shaken, call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room. Symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome vary depending on the age of the baby, how often they’ve been abused and how forceful the shaking was. Symptoms could include:

vomiting

lack of smiling and/or vocalizing

irritability

poor sucking and/or swallowing

pinpointed, dilated or unequal pupil size

seizures

difficulty breathing

loss of consciousness

Community supports

Crisis Outreach Support Team (COAST)
The COAST mobile team, consisting of a mental health worker and a police officer, will respond to crisis calls between the hours of 8 am and 1 am daily.Phone: 905-972-8338 24 hour Hamilton Crisis Line

YWCA Good Beginnings
This free in-home service provides volunteer assistance for mothers to cope with challenges of having a new baby, and/or for women who are at risk of Postpartum Depression.Phone: 905-522 9922 ext. 310

Telehealth Ontario
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Phone: 1-866-797-0000

Health Connections
Health Connections is a free, confidential service you can call to speak with a Public Health Nurse, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.Phone: 905-546-3550